BDS 5.5-Inch Radius Arm Lift Kit | FOX 2.5 Performance Elite | Ram 3500 4WD Gas 2019–2026 | With Factory Rear Overload Leaf | SKU: 1687FPE

The BDS 1687FPE is a 5.5-inch radius arm front lift kit with FOX 2.5 Performance Elite external reservoir shocks for the 2019–2026 Ram 3500 4WD gas with factory rear overload leaf springs. Heavy-duty BDS radius arms replace the factory arms, correcting caster at lift height and reducing bushing bind. Gas-tuned front coil springs deliver 5.5 inches of lift at the correct spring rate for the Ram 3500 gas platform. FOX 2.5 PE external reservoir shocks deliver advanced valving and heat-managed damping for sustained off-road and towing performance at lifted height.

This kit has four hard fitment confirmations before it applies to your truck.

First — rear suspension: this kit is calibrated for Ram 3500 trucks with factory rear overload leaf springs. If your Ram 3500 does NOT have factory rear overload leaf springs, order 1686FPE — the overload and non-overload kits are not interchangeable.

Second — engine: gas-tuned coil springs. Ram 3500 diesel requires a different kit — gas and diesel springs are not interchangeable.

Third — generation: 2019–2026 only. The 2018 and earlier Ram 3500 is a different platform and is not compatible.

Fourth — drivetrain: 4WD only. Ram 3500 2WD is not compatible.

Component Specifications

What Is and Is NOT Included

Critical Compatibility

Four fitment confirmations required before ordering.

Not sure if your Ram 3500 has factory rear overload leaf springs? Text (469) 407-7538 before ordering.

With Overload Leaf vs. No Overload Leaf — Which Kit Do You Need?

How to confirm your rear spring configuration: Visually inspect the rear axle leaf spring pack. An overload pack has an additional leaf that sits above the main pack and contacts the axle only under heavy load — visible as an extra leaf that does not contact the axle at rest. Common on higher trim levels and work truck configurations. Text (469) 407-7538 with your VIN to confirm before ordering.

Radius Arm Upgrade at 5.5-Inch Lift — Why It Matters

At 5.5 inches of lift on the Ram 3500 gas platform, factory radius arms reach the limits of their designed geometry — caster deviation increases, bushing bind under articulation grows, and axle centering degrades without correction. The BDS heavy-duty radius arms correct caster, reduce bind, and maintain axle centering at this lift height under the towing and hauling loads the Ram 3500 gas platform carries.

Installation Notes

Professional installation is required. The radius arm lift requires a qualified suspension shop with experience on heavy-duty truck platforms. Do not attempt DIY installation.

Full front-end alignment is mandatory after installation. Do not drive on public roads before alignment is completed. Correct alignment at 5.5-inch lift on the Ram 3500 platform is critical for tire wear and steering geometry under load.

External reservoir routing. Follow BDS and FOX installation instructions for reservoir placement. Avoid pinch points, heat sources, and moving components during routing. Improper reservoir placement can damage the reservoir line and void the FOX warranty.

Rear overload leaf configuration confirmation is mandatory before ordering. This kit is non-returnable once installed. Confirm your rear spring configuration before the order ships. Text (469) 407-7538 if you need help confirming before ordering.

Torque all fasteners to BDS specification. Torque specs are included in the BDS installation instructions. Do not estimate torque values on a 3500-class platform.

FOX shock break-in period. Allow FOX 2.5 PE shocks to complete the manufacturer-recommended break-in period before aggressive off-road or heavy towing use.

Text (469) 407-7538 to confirm rear spring configuration, engine, and drivetrain before ordering.

The Obsidian Take

The BDS 1687FPE is the correct kit for the 2019–2026 Ram 3500 4WD gas owner with factory rear overload leaf springs who wants 5.5 inches of front lift with corrected radius arm geometry and premium FOX 2.5 PE damping. The overload-specific calibration matters — the rear spring rate the overload pack introduces requires a different front-end tune than standard rear suspension, and the two kits are not interchangeable. Installing the non-overload kit on an overload-equipped truck compromises ride quality and geometry under load — exactly the condition a Ram 3500 encounters when carrying the weight it was built for.

The FOX 2.5 PE external reservoir is the correct shock specification for a Ram 3500 that sees sustained towing and off-road use. The reservoir manages heat under repeated loading cycles, keeping damping performance consistent where a standard shock body fades. If your use case is primarily daily driving with light occasional towing, FOX 2.0 may cover the application at lower cost — text (469) 407-7538 to confirm alternate shock options before committing to the 2.5 PE.

If your Ram 3500 does not have factory rear overload leaf springs, order 1686FPE. If it is diesel, gas-tuned springs are not correct for the diesel engine weight. If it is a 2018 or earlier, this platform does not apply.

Overload leaf confirmed, gas, 4WD, 2019–2026, FOX 2.5 PE — the 1687FPE is the complete, correctly-specified front-end solution for the Ram 3500 that carries its load and needs the geometry to hold up when it does.

Common Questions

How do I confirm my Ram 3500 has factory rear overload leaf springs?
Visually inspect the rear axle leaf spring pack. An overload pack includes an additional leaf that sits above the main pack and contacts the axle only under heavy load — visible as an extra leaf that does not contact the axle at rest. Common on higher trim levels and work truck configurations. Text (469) 407-7538 with your VIN and we will confirm before your order ships.

What is the difference between 1687FPE and 1686FPE?
Both kits fit the 2019–2026 Ram 3500 4WD gas and deliver 5.5 inches of front lift with the same BDS radius arms, gas-tuned springs, FOX 2.5 PE shocks, and track bar correction bracket. The difference is rear spring calibration — 1687FPE is for trucks with factory rear overload leaf springs and 1686FPE is for trucks without. They are not interchangeable.

Why can't I use diesel springs on my gas Ram 3500?
The diesel engine is significantly heavier than the gas engine. Front coil springs are tuned for a specific front axle weight — diesel-tuned springs under a gas engine deliver excessive spring rate and harsh ride. Gas springs under a diesel engine sag and compromise geometry under load. The correct spring tune for your engine is not interchangeable.

Does this kit lift the rear of the truck?
This kit addresses front lift via the radius arm upgrade. Rear lift components are not included. Confirm rear lift requirements with your installer before ordering if needed.

Is this a DIY install?
No. The radius arm lift requires a qualified suspension shop. Professional installation is required.

What warranty does this kit carry?
BDS suspension components carry the BDS No-Fine-Print Warranty. FOX 2.5 PE shocks carry a FOX 1-year limited warranty.

Verified Fitment